Pages

Thursday, August 30, 2012

King of Prussia gave Fashion of Philly a sneak peek at what retailers have in store for this year's Fashion Night Out. We got to visit seven stores: Vera Bradley, Wolford, Tumi, BCBG, Aveda, Kate Spade, and Tommy Bahama. At Vera Bradley, we got to preview the three latest colors to be released this Fall. Canyon, a western print, Portobello Road, which is a soft, natural print, and Provencal, a fun paisley print with a mustard background. Along with the bags they will also be debuting two new key chains styles: the braided and the bloom. Vera Bradley showed off a few new bag silhouettes: Saddle Up, a cross shoulder, Mom's Day Out, perfect for Mom's with toddlers, and the Cassidy, a sophisticated look. If you can't wait 'til Fashion's Night Out on September 6th, stop by on Thursday, August 30th for a store wide event of Fall, Fashion ... Fun! There will be great giveaways, special offers, plus sweets and treats all day. If you do decide to wait for Sept. 6th, purchase select totes and receive a free small cosmetic bag.

The Vera Bradley Store in KOP is So Beautiful!

Our next stop was Wolford. If you've never stopped in Wolford, I suggest you take a trip. Wolford is the hottest destination for hosiery, but they also carry lingerie, shapewear, swimwear, ready-to-wear, accessories, and select men's items. I fell in love with the textures, colors, and patterns. Their tights are so unique giving you both an edgy side with a touch of elegance. Some of their popular styles are those worn by celebrities such as Beyonce (Neon 40), Katy Perry (Touch 20), Madonna (Twenties), and Kate Middleton (Naked 8). Wolford is known for their seamless circular knitting technology offering a perfect, flawless fit to the body. When buying one of their items, view it as an investment piece because of its wearability. Shop during Fashion's Night Out and sip on free cocktails!

Top Right: The Rose Dress with Maria Knee-Highs and Tamara Gaiter

Next we went to Tumi. Tumi is what I call luggage on steroids. They have pieces that transform, are super lightweight, and extremely durable. Their three colors for Fall are the Chianti (a sort of plum), Black and Peacock (a teal-ish blue). Tumi offers luggage for every traveler from a high density nylon that's water and stain resisant to packing cubes to keep everything neat and tidy. Every piece from their woman's line of traveling goods has a velvet lined jewelry pocket. How thoughtful! We were most impressed by the Dror collection designed by Award Winning International Designer and Architect, Dror Benshetrit. His collection focuses on the concept of transformation of both style and purpose. Each bag come with the Tumi Tracer, a serial number that is attached to your name just in case it gets lost or stolen, a 5 year warranty and lifetime of service, and even loaner bags while your luggage is being repaired. So if you plan on doing some serious traveling, a Tumi luggage piece should be the first thing on your packing list. For Fashion's Night Out, enjoy light refreshment and an Art of Packing demo.

Bottom Left: The Tumi Vapor

At BCBG Maxazria, we drooled over their latest collections from right off the runway with panels of lace and pleats. I love the color blocking pieces, with such vibrant hues for Fall and of course, beautiful gowns and dresses. For Fashion's Night Out, BCBG will be selling official FNO items like a canvas tote and top. They will also be hosting a contest. Stop by and get styled in BCBG from head to toe. Then instagram your shot with hashtag #BCBGFNO for a chance to win a $1000 BCBG Maxazria wardrobe. May the best fashionista win!

Middle: The Official FNO Canvas Tote

Aveda lured us in with their awesome aromatherapy scents and their intriguing new line of hair products. Their Invati System Collection (Shampoo, Conditioner, Scalp Revitalizer)
promotes thicker, fuller hair by reducing hair loss by 33%. Aveda also has a full line of beauty products with colors right on trend for Fall. As always, Aveda specializes in making sure their products are as eco-friendly as possible by using natural based materials. Be sure to stop by on Fashion's Night Out to get your hair and make-up done by the Aveda team, a photo-op by the Fashion of Philly photographers, and a meet and greet with me!

Aveda's Invati System Collection

Kate Spade was as cute as ever with a display of polka dot styles for every piece in your wardrobe from coat to shoes. I always love their quirky accessories. My favorite was the Pardon My French Large Jocelyn bag, the perfect statement accessory. Their second collection was full of illustrative prints by French Photographer and Blogger Garance Dore, who I recently became obsessed with. This store is also my favorite place to find fun gifts for the women in my family. Stop by during Fashion's Night Out for sips, snacks, and an in-store raffle.

Fun Quirky Accessories at Kate Spade

Our last stop was one of the newest stores to open at KOP, Tommy Bahama. For Fall, the company is planning to expand on their denim line with new fits and washes to appeal to a younger crowd. They didn't forget about their staple pieces such as the very popular camp shirt. Their stores which they properly call "islands" also has a cigar shop, home goods, everything perfect for the beach, and a whole line of ready-to-wear. For Fashion's Night Out, Tommy Bahama will be offering a limited edition scarf with every purchase $50 or more. (While Supplies Last. One Per Person.) So get there quick to get yours.

Bottom Right: New Looks for Fall
Bottom Left: The Gift with Purchase Scarf for FNO

I'm so super excited for Fashion's Night Out! It seems like every year it gets bigger and better. Click here for a full list of FNO events happening at the King of Prussia Mall. Make sure you follow me on instagram @fashionofphilly, for more photos from behind the scenes. Also make sure you stop by Aveda and say Hello. Can't wait to see you there!

Monday, August 27, 2012

If you haven't had a chance to check out RentTheRunway.com, it's every girls dream come true. Rent the Runway offers designer fashion delivered to your doorstep (or anywhere else) for 10-15% off the retail price. You can rent the dress and accessories for 4 or 8 days with prices starting at $40 for dresses and $10 for accessories. The site has over 150 of the hottest designers with 25,000 dress and over 4,000 accessories so the possibilities are endless. This brilliant idea was thought of by Jennifer (Jenn) Hyman and Jennifer (Jenny) Fleiss. Their dream was to bring designer fashion into every woman's home a reality and they succeed.

Select the dress and/or accessories you love and a date of arrivial. Rent the Runway also has beauty products, intimate apparel or fashion solutions available for purchase.

To make sure the dress fits perfectly, you get to select two sizes and even a back-up style for an additional $25. If you need help along the way, you can contact your personal expert stylist by phone, email, or live chat six days a week.

After you're done with the dress, simply return it in the prepaid packaging and ship it away. Don't worry, they take care of the dry cleaning!

I recently got the chance to enjoy an evening mixer, sponsered by RentTheRunway.com. We got to talk about the company, ohh and ahh over the dresses and accessories, and network as well. We chatted about how great the site is for any special occasion. From weddings and graduations to a cocktail parties and vacations. If you ever tried RentTheRunway.com, tell me your feedback. If you haven't, still let me know what you think.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Look out for metallic and waxed denim this Fall season available selective colors, textures, and finishes. If you want to keep it netrual, go for the black coated studded denim by Mango. The studs by the pocket keep it edgy without overdoing it. For those who are a little more bold, try out The Looker in Skinny by Mother, a fresh design duo based out of LA. The pair by Current/Elliott are my absolute favs. The textured print almost makes them look like a gator skin rather than a metallic coat. If none of these really float your boat check out this cool DIY I found on Tumblr!

If you love the new metallic look, but just not sure how to style it, here's a tip. Since metallic denim can be a little loud, tone it down with a not so busy top. For day, I chose this comfy tee from Cheap Monday, Adidas backbag (similar here), and black Chucks. For night, a Jason Wu embellished silk chiffon, a black tote (similar one by Mango here), and Steve Madden Boldd Platform Pumps (shop similar ones here). Of course with both looks, add a dose of accessories and you're good to go.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

This year's PSA for Fashion's Night Out features some pretty big names in entertainment including Taylor Swift, Usher, and The Biebs! It's just another way to get you pumped up for a night of shopping bliss. I already started to make my list of spots to check out in the area, which I'll share later. To find out what's happening in your city, head to fashionsnightout.com and get planning.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Conde Nast, the publishing company that owns beloved magazines like Vogue, W, and Lucky has just entered the world of gaming. The game, available on iTunes, is called Fashion Hazard and lets user play the role of a model trying to make it in the fashion industry. Players begin as Ellie Redburn, the farm girl from Kansas starting from the bottom and having to work their way up through a series of interactive games and challenges.

When I first saw the images and the video, I have to admit I was pretty disappointed. First of all, I feel that for the level Conde Nast is on, a video game doesn't seem to fit their customer. Secondly, it just looks cheap. For all the money those magazines spend on creating beautiful photo shoots, I'd think when they decide to release a game it would be top notch with the best of the best. Today's technology is so great nowadays with the high def and everything, but this game looks like it came from the early 90's. Third, I think if they want to tap into the gaming market they should've tried something on Xbox Kinect or Wii. It could still be a modeling industry type game, but have the players do the actual posing and walking to make it interactive. I just think this game needs a total makeover. Now, I want to know what you think. Check out the video below and make sure you leave a comment.

Monday, August 20, 2012

After my trip to Sina Marie Salon, I've been chanellging myself to drink more water. This is mostly thanks to Sina, who could tell by my hair, that I wasn't drinking enough water, crazy, right! So now before I go to bed, I make sure I drink at least 32 oz of water. I always knew that water had its benefits, but I really wanted to dig deeper into it. How does it help? What does it help? And how much water should I drink a day?

Before we jump straight to the benefits, here's some helpful information. Of course, the amount of water you should consume depends on your weight, where you live and how active you are. Common sense is if you live somewhere that's hitting temperatures of 100 degrees or if you workout daily, you would want to drink more water than the average. On the other hand, the general rule is about 64 ounces a day. How much is 64 ounces? Well a normal size glass is about 8 ounces, so drink about 8 of those and you're good. If you love Smartwater, drink 2 of those and you reached your goal. If you have a medium size Booble, like me, you'll have to refill that about 3 times to get your daily dose.

Now for the benefits! There are so many ways water can help you feel and look better (just check out the list below), but let me share three of my favorites. Water is excellent for skin care. It hydrates and rejuvenates skin from the inside, giving you a beautiful glow. It has also been said to help remove blackheads and smooth out those wrinkles. For some added beauty benefits, add some lemon to your water for a dose of vitamin C straight to your blood stream. To help reduce body weight, add honey and lemon to your water to curve those cravings throughout the day. Water can even be use as a natural hair conditioner. By adding lemon juice to water and applying it to your hair for a few minutes before rinsing can result in a clean shine for normal to oily hair. Interesting, no.

So I challenge you to join me in drinking 64 ounces of water a day for a month and see if you notice a change in your body. If your big on drinking water anyway, share how you got started and how it makes you feel.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Weather you call them glossies, fashion bibles, or just plain'o magazines, the September issues are out and fresh with Fall Fashion. Everyone including Vanity Fair, which is not usually my go to source for fashion, is celebrating Fall with Kate Middleton on their cover. Vogue features the electrified Lady Gaga, who channeled Ru Paul for inspiration. Glamour get cute and clean with the posh Victoria Beckham. Elle is floating on cloud nine with Katy Perry. Gwen Stefani takes Harper's Bazaar. For the younger fashionistas, Salena Gomez talks about not taking personal life too seriously. W wows with Penelop Cruz. Cosmopolitan gets into the life of singer/actress Lucy Hale. Get lured in to Allure with Cover Girl's Sofia Vergara and Marie Claire shows off a stylish Miley Cyrus, previous to her dramatic hair cut. Whew! There you have it, The September Issues! (Well, at least some of them.) Which ones are you planning to read?

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Sina Marie Salon is the ultimate salon to get that total city spa experience. From the minute you walk into the door, you're transported into the whimscal, fun world of Sina Marie. The salon is named after the Master Stylist herself, who has been in the Cosmetology business for over 10 years. The stylists take care of everything from manicures to coloring and everything in between.

We began my transformation with a relaxing "Glass Slipper" manicure to shine up my dull hands. Sina applied one of her own multi-functional organic products called Bling-tini to make them soft and bright. I found this beautiful golden polish with just the right amount of shine. After the polish was set, it was time for some "Junkie Nails", which is pretty much a collage of 3-D designs customize for your nails.

With nails looking great, it's time to move on to the hair. Sina started out with a consultation to find out what I liked and don't like. Then she shared her suggestions. After that, I put all my trust into Sina's hands, literally. My hair was deep conditioned, dyed, and cut and I couldn't be more happy with the finishing look. She even let me add a Funky Chunk color streak of blue for an added dose of edge, without being over the top. Be sure to check out the video at the end of the post to view my trip from beginning to end.

I had so much fun with Sina and her award winning junior stylist, Tasha during my transformation! If you are ever in the need of a make-over, I definitely recommend going to Sina Marie Salon, where they specialize in "Creating Individuality". Make sure you "Like" their Facebook Page to stay up to date on their latest specials and events including a "Pamper Me Pretty" party on September 1st. They also have a New Client Menu to help you take advantage of most of their services at great prices. So call them now and set up your appointment.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

If you love getting pampered as much as I do, but can't always afford it. Here's a way to squeeze it into your budget without feeling extra guilty. At Jean Madeline Aveda Institutes, you can get anything from facials (starting at $33) to body aromatherapy wraps ($35) for a fraction of the cost compared to treatments at a high end spa. The services are done by the graduating students using a full line of Aveda's Earth-friendly products and techniques. They also offer full salon services from highlights to relaxers which has earned them the winning title in Allure's June '08 issue of Reader's Choice Best Hair Salon. With three locations in Philadelphia, there's no reason not to treat yourself. Go to JeanMadeline.com to see a complete list of treatments and locations, but if you don't live in this area, don't worry go to www.aveda.edu to find a spot nearest you.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Mariah Carey is getting to be one busy Momma. She will soon be collaborating with OPI with not just one, but two nail polish lines. The first collection of eight shades comes out in January 2013 and the other will soon follow later that year. Also in January, Carey will be joining American Idol as a new judge for season 12. As for her singing career, she's got that covered too. This week she released a new single on iTunes called "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" featuring Rick Ross & Meek Mill which has already reached the top position on several charts in Asia, Central America and South America.I think Mrs. Mimi's on top of her game especially with the OPI collection. Just thinking back on the ad campaigns for her fragrances (and let's not forget those movies), makes me anxious to hear and see the colors for the collections. What do you think about Mariah Carey's new collab?

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

I love shopping with the Pickn'Tell app because I can get instant feedback from friends through either facebook, twitter, or from followers in the Pickn'Tell community. Even though, shopping with friends can be tons of fun, I always feel like I can truly take my time and focus when it's just me. This app makes it so easy to find out what my friends think of something I tried on without having to drag them around.

I stopped by the Juicy Couture store in the King of Prussia Mall because they had these chic relaxed pajama pants in a silk paisley print. I've been wanting to see how the pajama silhouette would fit me. For a top, I picked the matching wool sweater with silk panels and for a more subtle look I chose the Sloane Blouse in angel. After posting it to Pickn'Tell, I found out that more people preferred the look with the head to toe print! I would love to know what you think. Download the Pickn'Tell app today on your Android or iPhone and make sure to follow me at Brittiny S to let me know your feedback and to check out my other looks as well. To learn more about the Pickn'Tell app go to PicknTell.com or read my previous post here.

Monday, August 6, 2012

The Philadelphia Collection is back starting Thursday, September 13 to Thursday, September 20. With more than 75 events, spanning from large-scale "featured" runway shows and fashion presentations to smaller events including trunk shows and expert panel discussions, there's so much to see and do everyday. The Philadelphia Collection will also host a series of interactive events such as "Ambush Makeovers" and "Remote Red Carpet" entailing random pop-up appearances at TPC backdrops around the city. Spectators will be able to snap photos in front of the backdrop and "tag" themselves on the TPC Facebook page. Those who participate online will be automatically entered to win a Philadelphia Collection fashion and beauty swag bag.

Some of the featured events include:

"Spruce Up Your Wardrobe" presented by Skai Blue Media. This stylish event will feature cocktails, conversations, styling tips from the Skai Blue Styling Team, branded art installations, and a meet and greet with the designers of the Skai Blue Showroom.

"Kings of Style, Male Luxury Event" presented by 90 Degreez. Kings of Style will recognize and highlight men who are making positive contributions to the fashion, style, and image industries.

For a full list of events, check out ThePhiladelphiaCollection.org and to check out some of the coverage from last year's The Philadelphia Collection events click here and here. I hope to see you around!

Move over Arm Candy and make room for stackable rings. As the weather changes from hot and steamy requiring no sleeves, to fall type weather calling for cardigans, stacking rings are the newest must-have accessory. This fun accessory can go from day to night, from urban to uptown chic. I love the Aztec look of #1 by House of Harlow which runs for $100. When I first seen it, I thought it was one ring, but it's actually 3 in 1. This calls for an endless amount of cute combinations. If you don't want to spend that much, there's #5 the ASOS Exclusively by Just Access, a set of 3 rings with gold tone shanks and angular designs for $24.86. Wear them all together for a rocker type vibe or one at a time and still make a statement. If you're looking for a steal, you can check out the unexpected Payless at #4 for their set of five rings for only $9.99! This trend is meant to be played with and can be displayed in many different styles. I can't wait to start stacking up this Fall!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

This past Thursday, Henri Bendel hosted a fun filled grand opening at their newest store in the Cherry Hill Mall. The store was truly a girl's playground with waiters offering champagne, a cool flip book photo booth, and tons of accessories to gasp over. If you haven't shopped at Henri Bendel, it's the perfect place to find that wow accessory for any outfit. They also have a wide variety of luxury travel pieces, home goods, and gifts without having to break your budget.

While there I got to chat with the President of Henri Bendel, Chris Fiore, who says the company plans on opening 5 new stores nationwide and eventually expanding worldwide. How incredible is it for them to bring this New York landmark to the South Jersey area. There were so many pieces that I fell in love with from the Deluxe Hand Me Down Stack Ring to the Brown & White Too Cool For School Tweed Crossbody. Next time you're in the area, check out Henri Bendel's signature brown and white stripes and find your favorite piece!

Friday, August 3, 2012

This September, Philadelphia is officially participating in the 4th Annual Fashion's Night Out festivities! The city will join the global celebration created to highlight fashion and support the retail industry with exciting events including designer appearences, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances. The Fashion's Night Out events run from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in different locations. To stay up to date on what's happening where, sign up for updates on FashionsNightOut.com and make sure you follow Fashion of Philly on Twitter to see where the Fashion of Philly Team will be!